Dental Assistant Programs in North Carolina
Across the United States, the demand for dental assistants is high. The need is even greater in North Carolina, a state with a huge rural population and limited access to healthcare services. As a dental assistant, you can help each dentist in North Carolina make more of their time.
Dental assistants handle the routine work that is in their scope of practice, freeing up dentists’ time to consult with patients, do advanced surgeries and procedures, and see a greater amount of patients.
If you’ve been waiting for the chance to start a career in the dental industry, get going now by contacting North Carolina dental assistant programs.
Dental Assistant Schools in North Carolina
As you start to compare North Carolina schools, you may see that there are several degree paths open to you. A diploma or certificate program can get you on the path to licensure. While some programs can be completed in less than one year, you do need at least one year of education to qualify for certification in this state. Many people ask, “How long does it take to become a dental assistant?” Plan on a one-year commitment as a diploma or certificate student and a two-year commitment as an Associate’s degree student.
The courses listed below are commonly required in all three types of programs.
Dental Assistant Classes in North Carolina
- Chairside Assisting
- Infection Control
- Dental Materials
- Dental Anatomy
- Medical Emergencies
- Advanced Functions
- Dental Radiology
- Oral Pathology
- Preventive Dentistry
- Office Practice Management
The other aspect of dental assisting education doesn’t take place in a classroom; it takes place next to a patient’s dental chair. Getting hands-on experience with real patients can ramp up your knowledge and help you become a confident, effective dental assistant. In most dental assistant programs, North Carolina students get several hundred hours of experience.
In addition to applying for federal financial aid and school-specific scholarships, look into those funded by private organizations. The American Dental Assistants Association funds student scholarships.
Working as a Dental Assistant in North Carolina
Once you complete your training, you may be ready to pursue North Carolina dental assistant certification. Those who fit in the category of Dental Assistant I only need a seven-hour course in nitrous oxide-oxygen conscious sedation. However, to do expanded functions, you must become a Dental Assistant II through the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. You need CPR certification and proof of completion of a CODA-accredited program.
You may benefit from the strong job outlook in North Carolina. By 2024, job openings for North Carolina dental assistants may increase 25% (O*Net, 2016). On average, North Carolina dental assistants earn $38,720 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016).
Are you ready to attend dental assistant school? North Carolina programs are listed below for your convenience.